French Director Crafts the Best 21st Century Sci-Fi Movie, Outshining Interstellar and Gravity!

On June 27, the esteemed New York Times published its rankings of the best 100 movies of the 21st century. Be sure to check our article to see which film claimed the top spot! To compile this list, the famous American publication called upon over 500 directors, actors, and other Hollywood influencers to vote for their favorite films released since January 1, 2000.

A Unique Sci-Fi Film

The list includes a variety of genres, but let’s dive into the best science fiction film, which is surprisingly ranked seventh. The film is “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind,” directed by Michel Gondry in 2004.

“Sometimes a film is so wildly creative and wonderfully strange that it feels like a dream. Directed by Michel Gondry and written by Charlie Kaufman, this film transcends the typical romantic comedy,” the New York Times points out.

“Kate Winslet and Jim Carrey play a couple who decide to erase the memories of their relationship. The film is playful yet unsettling, highlighting how our memories, even the painful ones, shape us,” the publication notes.

“It’s brilliantly smart. It’s deeply moving. And it’s funny. Achieving all three is rare. It’s mostly about how love makes its way. And I don’t mean it’s a sunny, Hallmark kind of film. It’s messy, sometimes destructive, sometimes self-destructive,” said author Dennis Lehane, quoted in the New York Times.

A Heartrending Story

To recap, “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind” features Joel and Clementine, portrayed by Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet. They only see the negatives of their tumultuous love affair to the extent that she decides to erase all memories of their relationship from her mind. Devastated, Joel contacts the inventor of the Lacuna process, Dr. Mierzwiak, to remove his memories of Clementine as well.

Two technicians, Stan and Patrick, set up their equipment at his home and begin the procedure, monitored by their secretary, Mary. Joel’s memories start to play out from the most recent to the oldest, disappearing one by one forever.

However, as he revisits his past, Joel rediscovers his enduring love for Clementine, a magic that he realizes should never be taken away. In a last-ditch effort, he battles against the Lacuna process to hold onto his cherished memories.

Released in October 2004, this sci-fi drama enjoyed modest success, grossing $73 million worldwide against a $20 million budget. In France, it drew 655,000 viewers. In 2005, it won the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay, awarded to Michel Gondry and Charlie Kaufman.